Genuine Leadership – Dr. Author E. Hughes
Genuine Leadership – Dr. Author E. Hughes 
Dr. Author E. Hughes, the architect of the University of San Diego from 1972 to 1995, passed away earlier this week. I learned the concept of Genuine Leadership from him.
In one’s life there are not many people who are not related through family who make a real lasting impact on your life. Teachers or professors often are the ones who occupy those places in one’s life. Perhaps a professional or personal mentor.
Dr. Hughes was none of those to me or to tens of thousands of students, faculty, staff, community members and trusted advisors he touched throughout his tenure at USD. He was The President of the University of San Diego.
My freshman year at USD, I lived in DeSales Hall (now Maher Hall) on campus at USD. On the first floor of this building, as crazy as it sounds now, was the office of the president. Every now and then I would catch a glimpse of him at his desk. A tall, silver-haired, distinguished gentleman and scholar, in every way. I’ll never forget the first time our paths crossed in the lobby of DeSales Hall. I was coming back from class and as I came through the front door of the building, I looked up to see Dr. Hughes walking out of his office. He instantly offered a smile and introduced himself to me, as if I didn’t know him. I did the same and he asked my name—it was the last time I would ever have to tell him.
From that point on, every time our paths crossed he would say hi to me, using my first name. When time allowed, he would ask how things were going. The crazy thing is, he was genuinely interested, something that still impresses me today.
After graduating from USD in 1987, I returned two years later for Homecoming. Prior to the football game at the alumni tailgate, I saw Dr. Hughes and waved hello all the while thinking to myself, “he is probably wondering who the heck I am.” A few moments later I noticed him walking my way. The first words out of his mouth were, “Hello Jack, it’s good to see you again.” I instantly felt like I belonged and was genuinely being welcomed home.
In 1972, Author E. Hughes was selected as the president of the newly formed University of San Diego. It was by no means, a cushy assignment. He was attracted to the values the Sisters of the Sacred Heart and the Diocese of San Diego had established with both the San Diego College for Women and the College for Men in Linda Vista. Over the ensuing years he asked for help from everyone he could to build the university he envisioned. There were times when the bills were more than the inflow, but he managed those tough times and executed on a long term vision that is the foundation of a flourishing university that exists today with over 60,000 alumni.
How did he do it? Relationship by relationship. He was genuine in his intent. He had a consistent set of values from which he made decisions on behalf of the university. He was humble. He knew his limitations and gave people permission to make decisions. Most notably, he embraced the opportunity to work with Sr. Sally Furay who created the operations to support the bold vision. She was his confidant, challenger and partner – and he welcomed her leadership at a time when female leadership was almost non-existent for that size of an enterprise. He was a visionary. He recognized the gifts others had and gave them the tools and space to flourish.
In October of 2001 I was fortunate enough to be selected as the Director of Alumni Relations at the University of San Diego. Although retired for 6 years from USD, Dr. Hughes was there to support his successor, Dr. Alice B. Hayes and her eventual successor Dr. Mary E. Lyons. He was there to encourage, support and, if necessary, be a sounding board. His intent was genuine, his presence was welcomed. I was fortunate during my time as Alumni Director to see Dr. Hughes more often than before. Nothing had changed, he was always interested in what I was doing. He was never condescending, never judgmental and always respected what I had to say and offer to the University.
I can only hope that I can emulate just a small part of his approach to leadership, or to simplify it, his genuine approach with everyone he touched. Since you have read this far, here are the 12 keys to Genuine Leadership as defined by the actions and outcomes of Author E. Hughes:
- Be clear on your values
- Be visionary
- Set big goals
- Make a plan
- Be genuine
- Honor your relationships
- Believe but be humble
- Know your limitations
- Recognize the gifts of others and let them use them
- Never forget a name
- Listen and learn
- Intend to lead every day
Leadership is hard work. It takes intention every day. For some people, it appears to be easy, but it is learned and you have the ability to improve, if you want to. Many people confuse charismatic decision-makers with leaders. Dr. Hughes made it look easy, but I’m sure there were many restless nights and things he wished he had done differently. From my perspective, most of them were thoughtfully made and well executed without losing sight of the human side of leadership. I am grateful for this legacy.
My wish is you will take some part of his example of Genuine Leadership, and put it into practice for yourself, your family, your community and profession.
